Attend and Keep this Happy Fast

This is a hymn for Lent.  It is based on Isaiah 58:5-9, and expresses the idea that love is better than fasting.

It was written by English Roman Catholic theologian and at-that-time Dominican priest, Roger Ruston (TBA).

With meter 8.6.8.6 D, it is set to the tune CLAUDIUS (Fink), which was adapted from a work by German composer, Gottfried Wilhelm Fink (1783-1846).

Hymn-books where it has been published in include:

• Sing a New Song to the Lord - Mayhew-McCrimmon, England, 1970
• Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications, England, 1994.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Lead sheet (melody + guitar chords)

ABC notation

Examples

Duet with organ and backing track:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Attend and keep this happy fast I preach to you this day.
Is this the fast that pleases Me that takes your joy away?
Do I delight in sorrow's dress, says God, Who reigns above,
the hanging head, the dismal look, will they attract My love?

But it is not the fast I choose, that shares the heavy load;
that seeks to bring the poor man in who's weary of the road;
that gives the hungry bread to eat, to strangers gives a home;
that does not let you hide your face from your own flesh and bone?

Then like the dawn your light will break, to life you will be raised.
And all will praise the Lord for you; Be happy in your days.
The glory of the Lord will shine, and in your steps His grace.
And when you call He'll answer you; He will not hide His face.

See more ...

• Hymns for Lent
• Hymns about love

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Attend and keep this happy fast I preach to you this day.
Is this the fast that pleases Me that takes your joy away?
Do I delight in sorrow's dress, says God, Who reigns above,
the hanging head, the dismal look, will they attract My love?

But it is not the fast I choose, that shares the heavy load;
that seeks to bring the poor man in who's weary of the road;
that gives the hungry bread to eat, to strangers gives a home;
that does not let you hide your face from your own flesh and bone?

Then like the dawn your light will break, to life you will be raised.
And all will praise the Lord for you; Be happy in your days.
The glory of the Lord will shine, and in your steps His grace.
And when you call He'll answer you; He will not hide His face.